Gatchalian warns erring power distributors after Meralco fine

On the heels of the P19-million fine slapped against Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) over alleged violations, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday warned other power distribution utilities they could meet the same fate if found to have committed lapses.

Last Thursday, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in a ruling ordered Meralco to pay P19 million for failing to indicate clearly that the March to May 2020 billings were “estimated”, and for failing to properly inform its consumers that the cumulative amount of electricity bill that was supposed to have fallen within the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period shall be amortized in four equal monthly installments.

“This should serve as a stern warning against all erring distribution utilities that might face the same consequences. Magsilbing leksyion sana ito sa iba pang distribution utilities sa bansa na hindi sumusunod sa mga panuntuan ng power regulator,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

In the same ruling, the ERC also said it has ordered several power distribution utilities to explain why the industry regulator should not impose sanctions against them for allegedly violating commission's advisories. 

The senator said he empathizes with the millions of Meralco consumers as he himself complained of apparent bill shock over bills covering the ECQ period.

Aside from apparent miscalculated and inaccurate billing amounts, public outrage against Meralco also stemmed from technical problems in paying their bills, such as the P47 “convenience fee” charged for paying bills through its website or mobile app.

At a hearing conducted by the Senate Energy Committee, Gatchalian grilled Meralco officials over “underestimation” and “overestimation” of electricity bills and asked the officials to send each consumer-household a separate clarificatory letter that showed exact previous readings.  —LBG, GMA News